Ruby & amethyst dahlia collection

Buy the collection of 3 Dahlias (1 of each variety) for £9.99 or buy 2 collections for £19.98 and get another collection FREE

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, humus-rich soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July to September
• Hardiness: half hardy (may need winter protection)Here are three of our most popular dahlias - each one belonging to either the ball or pom-pom group.
  
  In each collection you will receive three tubers, one tuber of each of the following cultivars.
  
  Dahlia 'Downham Royal':For several months from midsummer, the upright stems of this striking dahlia are topped with miniature ball-shaped, magenta flowers, which are wonderful for adding a strong contrast to softer pinks and purples. Grows to 90cm.
  
  Dahlia 'Red Fox':Fabulous when planted in a border with deep purple, rich orange or yellow, this ball dahlia will also look dazzling against a backdrop of silvery foliage. It flowers freely from midsummer to mid-autumn, and the flowers last a long time in a vase. Grows to 80cm.
  
  Dahlia 'Rocco':A classic for the cottage garden, with lilac-purple balls (up to 5cm across), that bob and sway happily on their slender stems. Mix it with pale pinks and purples or rich plums and plant more than you need so you have a constant supply for the vase. Grows to 75cm.
  
  
• Garden care: Dahlia tubers can be planted outside after frost, or started off in pots under glass in late winter to early spring. Plant them horizontally approximately 12cm deep, making sure the ‘eyes’ are uppermost. Allow enough room between each tuber so the plants can grow and spread to their full size without being over-crowded. While in growth, provide a high-nitrogen liquid feed each week in June, then a high-potash fertiliser each week from July to September. Stake with canes or brushwood if it becomes necessary. In mild areas, leave them in situ over winter, but protect the crown with a generous layer of dry mulch. In colder areas, carefully lift and clean the tubers once the first frosts have blackened the foliage and allow them to dry naturally indoors. Then place the dry tubers in a shallow tray, just covered with slightly moist potting compost, sand or vermiculite and store in a frost-free place until planting out again.